At the turn of the year

Broken things can be mended, to be made stronger and more beautiful.
In the darkness, there is a light to guide your way.
In winter, the turn of year will eventually bring the spring.
What troubles you today, will pass.

Here we are at the turn of the year 2020.  For so many it has been a hard year.  Covid has disrupted most people around the world.  We can no longer gather freely as we once did.  Friends and family members lost, economic hardship.  It seems like it will never end.

And yet nature continues oblivious of our woes.  The winter solstice means that the days will begin to lengthen again and the light will return. Spring will come, and broken things can be mended.

With the announcement of Covid vaccines, there is hope at the end of a long year.  And that is what I want to focus on.  As big and overwhelming our lives have been,  eventually it will pass as night follows the day.  The sun will shine, birds will sing and flowers will bloom again.  This is what gives me hope and gratitude that I am part of this endless cycle of living.

This year end makes me contemplate my own attitude of gratitude.  And there is much to be grateful for.  Even though Issoan is empty and lonely, I have never felt so connected to the tea community at large.  Beginning in May with the Midorikai OneWorld chakai, lectures, workshops and sweets demonstration have been so generously offered.  I am thankful that we live in this time that technology can connect us.  It is wonderful to see so many friends’ faces on the Zoom.  Thank you to all of you who have so freely offered your time and expertise to allow us to continue our Chado education.   And thank you to all of you who have participated in these activities to show us your interest and dedication to the Way of Tea.

I cannot say enough how grateful I am to my partner Craig who has put up with me these past nine months with just the two of us in the house.  We have strengthened our relationship by spending so much time together.  We have learned to cook many new recipes together, and grown more philosophical in our conversations.  We really like each other.

So even though we are still locked down due the Corona virus restrictions, I have Chado, teaching, cooking, gardening, Shodo calligraphy, and now watercolor painting to keep me occupied.  There is a return of the light and spring will come.  2021 may not instantly return to normal, but there is hope that eventually we will be able to gather, share tea, and come together again.

Thank you all for reading the blog and for your kind comments.